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Comparing and contrasting

comparison 16 terms 14 questions TOEIC Part 5, Part 6, Part 7

Comparison is the backbone of the TOEIC double passages: two offers, two schedules, two candidates, and a question asking how they differ. Knowing that however and nevertheless are not interchangeable with likewise is worth several points, because the connector is often the only thing that tells you whether the second sentence agrees with the first or contradicts it.

Your task

Each sentence offers several ways of comparing or contrasting two things. Choose the one that fits. In one case all the options are possible.

Target vocabulary

contrast differ differentiate characteristics distinction comparison resemble similarities In the same way Likewise By way of contrast Nevertheless Even so However discrepancy whereas

Practice

Word bank
contrast differ differentiate characteristics distinction comparison resemble similarities In the same way Likewise By way of contrast Nevertheless Even so However discrepancy whereas
1 The __________ in working conditions between our Denver department and our department in Chicago is very noticeable, and employees are now demanding equality in this area.
2 The two companies differentiate / differ / different considerably from each other: one sells to the wholesale market, and one sells directly to retailers.
3 It is often difficult to __________ between employees who are off work because they are genuinely ill, and those who are just enjoying a day at home.
4 Our new software program shares some common __________ with those that are already on the market.
5 There's a clear __________ between starting your own company, and taking over one that already exists.
7 The two products are different in every way: there's absolutely no compare / comparison / contrast between them.
8 Our latest mobile phones similar __________ those of our main competitor, except that they have more features and are more reliable.
9 There are several __________ to between our new photocopier and our old one: these include an advanced color facility and a multi-task option.
10 Serious computer hackers can access your personal files and destroy or alter them. __________, they can gain access to your Internet banking facility and steal your money.
11 The quality of our products is excellent. Likewise / Alike / Likeness , the price.
12 The TOEFL ® exam covers a variety of general English tasks. In contrast to / Although / By way of contrast , the TOEIC ® focuses more on business and professional issues.
13 The company has not performed very well during the last quarter. Nevertheless / Even so / However , it has still managed to turn a profit and retain most of its clients.
14 There currently seems to be a large __________ between the number of people employed in service industries, and those employed in the primary sector.
15 Our new contract states that both parties must give 6 months' notice of termination, unlike / whereas / whereby our old contract had an immediate 'get-out' clause.